When you’re injured on the job, navigating the complexities of the workers' compensation system can be overwhelming. Rico Lively is committed to ensuring that injured workers receive the full benefits and compensation they're entitled to. Rico will handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.
Workers' compensation provides benefits to employees injured on the job, covering medical bills, lost wages, and more. Rico handles a wide range of workplace injury claims, including:
Broken bones, back injuries, repetitive strain, and similar workplace injuries.
Illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.
Mental health issues caused by traumatic or stressful work experiences.
Additional compensation for workplace injuries caused by third-party negligence.
Workers' compensation provides various benefits to employees injured at work. Rico ensures you receive:
Workers' compensation covers a wide range of medical treatments necessary for your recovery, including surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and any other medical care related to your injury. The workers’ compensation insurer is responsible for providing and paying for this care. Rico will fight to get you the appropriate medical care and do everything to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
In Florida, workers' compensation typically covers 66 2/3% (two-thirds) of your average weekly wage for time off due to injury. The amount is based on the wages earned in the 13 weeks before your injury. Rico will help gather the necessary evidence, like pay stubs and tax records, to ensure you receive the full amount you're entitled to.
Workers' compensation provides payments for both temporary and permanent disabilities.
Unfortunately, securing these benefits can be complicated, which is why having an experienced workplace injury lawyer like Rico is essential.
Navigating a workers’ compensation claim can be difficult, and many claims are denied or underpaid. Rico handles common issues, such as:
Rico will file a petition for benefits on your behalf and work to secure the medical treatment and compensation you need.
If the benefits offered don’t cover your medical bills or lost wages, Rico will fight for full compensation.
If you’ve been demoted, fired, or retaliated against for filing a claim, you may have grounds for a civil claim for damages based on wrongful termination.
Rico will pursue additional compensation through third-party lawsuits if a third party’s negligence contributed to your injury.
Rico offers personalized, strategic representation for workplace injuries:
Rico will carefully review your injury and employment situation to identify all potential claims.
Rico negotiates with your employer’s insurance company to secure the full benefits you're entitled to.
If your claim is denied or underpaid, Rico will take your case to court and present a strong argument for your recovery.
Rico's knowledge of workers' compensation law ensures he can handle even the most complex cases effectively.
Rico develops personalized strategies specific to your injury and employment situation to maximize benefits.
From filing claims to appealing denials, Rico works relentlessly to protect your rights and secure full compensation.
If you’ve been injured at work, don’t leave your future to chance. Rico is dedicated to ensuring you receive the full workers' compensation benefits you’re entitled to.
In Florida, you must report your workplace injury to your employer within 30 days. After that, you generally have up to two years to file a formal workers' compensation claim. Rico will help guide you through the process to make sure all deadlines are met and your claim is filed properly.
The compensation depends on the severity of your injury, the medical treatment required, and the time off work. Rico will help you pursue the maximum benefits allowed under the law, including medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.
Contact Rico immediately. He will review your case, gather additional evidence, and file a petition to help secure the benefits you're entitled to, including medical treatment and wage replacement.
No. But if a third party contributed to your injury, Rico can pursue additional compensation through a third-party lawsuit while also helping with your workers' compensation claim. This allows for recovery beyond workers' comp benefits, such as pain and suffering, which workers' comp does not cover.
No, workers' compensation cases are handled through administrative hearings rather than jury trials. A judge makes the decisions based on the evidence presented. Rico will represent you throughout this process, making sure your case is thoroughly presented to the judge.
The workers' compensation insurer usually selects the doctor who treats you. However, you have the right to request a one-time change of physician if you're not satisfied with the care you're receiving. If the insurer doesn’t approve the change within a set time, you may choose your own doctor, and their treatment will be covered if it's necessary for your recovery.
There’s also something called the “self-help” rule that allows you to seek your own initial treatment if the insurer fails to provide care after you've requested it. This applies only to your first treatment, and it must be necessary and related to your injury. If your care was wrongfully denied, you could be reimbursed for any treatment you had to get on your own.
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is the point in your recovery where your doctor determines that your condition has stabilized, and further treatment is unlikely to improve your condition. Reaching MMI doesn’t mean you’re fully healed, but it means your injury has improved as much as it’s going to.
Once you’ve reached MMI, your workers' compensation case can change in several ways. Your doctor will assess whether you have any permanent impairments and whether you can return to your previous job or need additional support, like disability benefits or vocational rehabilitation. MMI can also affect the amount of future medical benefits and wage loss benefits you can receive.
Rico will work with you through this phase, making sure you understand how MMI impacts your case and what your options are moving forward.
If your employer wrongfully terminates you or retaliates against you for filing a workers' compensation claim, you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit. Rico will help you take legal action to protect your rights and seek compensation for damages resulting from retaliation.
If your condition worsens after receiving workers' compensation benefits, you may be entitled to additional medical treatment or benefits. However, if your case has been settled, you generally cannot reopen the claim or receive further compensation.
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, Rico Lively is here to help. With his deep expertise, proven success, and client-centered approach, Rico will fight to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.